AN engineering firm which exports across the continent from its Darwen base has been praised by Hive Business Award judges.

The Cardley Group, which started as a family run firm more than three decades ago, is up for the International Achievement Award.

The firm originally specialised in manufacturing coal shearer drums for the mining industry.

Its focus for many years has been manufacturing British-built durable cutting equipment and hydraulic attachments.

Over recent years, Cardley's two directors have worked closely with the team and external partners to build on the brand and to develop it into a well-established group.

The firm now has 10 business lines under its name ranging from the airline industry to defence and renewables and collaborates with the public and private sector on a local, regional, national and global scale across industries.

The firm prides themselves on championing customer driven innovation and continuous improvement.

A spokesman for the Cardley Group said: "The team are thrilled to be recognised for two local HIVE business awards: The International Achievement Award and the Manufacturing in Blackburn with Darwen Award."

They added: "The two of these awards combined portray Cardley’s goals in growing overseas by selling British-built products to new markets."